Manchester City youngster Rabbi Matondo is close to becoming the latest young British player to move to Germany’s Bundesliga.
Matondo, who is yet to make a senior appearance for City, is set to join Schalke 04 after the two clubs agreed a reported €13million (£11.3m) fee.
The 18-year-old Wales international is yet to travel to Germany and agree terms with Schalke though an announcement of the transfer is expected to come in the next few days.
Pep Guardiola, the City manager, confirmed Schalke’s interest in Matondo at a press conference on Monday.
"Yeah, I have some comments,” he said, when asked about Schalke’s interest. “I heard they are interested in another young player [Matondo], but I don’t know how it is going to finish.
“I know how good he is, incredibly fast winger, and a young talent. That is a good sign of how good this club is working.”
If sold for the reported £11.3m fee, Matondo would become the latest City academy graduate to be sold for a reasonable fee.
In the last three years, City have earned approximately £153m by selling players developed through the club’s youth ranks or at City Football Group associates.
Kelechi Iheanacho, Brahim Diaz and Angus Gunn were all sold for seven-figure fees, while Matondo follows the path of former City youth player Jadon Sancho in moving to Germany.
City may be reunited with Matondo next month. Guardiola’s side play Schalke in the Champions League round of 16.
